Validation of language related EEG algorithm for aphasia rehabilitation (Neurolap) (Neurolap)

After a stroke, the affected brain functions can be neurally reorganized (neuroplasticity) during rehabilitation. Focusing on language functions (i.e. phonology, semantics and grammar), the diagnosis and follow-up of aphasia currently occurs with ‘pencil-and-paper tasks’ which lack a direct mapping of neuroplasticity. The implementation of a linguistic electro-encephalographic (EEG) registration during the diagnostic (re-)evaluation of aphasic patients would, therefore, be beneficial.

The aim of this project is to validate the incorporation of linguistic event-related potentials (ERPs) in the diagnostic aphasia protocol. The following subgoals are set:

1. Providing evidence that ERPs can a) differentiate patients with and without aphasia, b) specify which and how severely language functions are disturbed and c) monitor aphasia recovery longitudinally.
2. Providing evidence that an ERP based therapy algorithm can lead to a (more) efficient rehabilitation and favourable outcome.
3. Exploring opportunities to license partners to commercialize the concept in the future.